Written question WQ86310
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What is the Minister doing to support adults and children who cannot get treatment in Wales and have to go to England?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Treatment in England for specialist care has always been a feature of our Welsh NHS where it is clinically appropriate to do so. While Wales continues to offer more services, it is right that Welsh residents have access to specialist care regardless of the location.
In response to our commitment to reduce long waits the option to receive treatment in England for more routine services has increased.
The patient may choose not to receive treatment in England, but they will have to recognise the implications on their health if local services are not available to treat them within the timelines they need.
We expect health boards to discuss with each patient their options and to support them in making their choices and offer advice on travel arrangements and local follow-up care following treatment. We would also expect that patients waiting for treatment in England are encouraged to access the local “waiting well” services in their local health board areas to ensure they are supported to stay fit while they wait.